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Cell-based Assay Protocol for the Prognostic Prediction of Idiopathic Scoliosis Using Cellular Dielectric Spectroscopy
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Scoliosis in cystic fibrosis: is it idiopathic?

Naresh Kumar1, S Balachandran, P A Millner

  • 1New Cross Hospital, Wolverhampton, UK. naresh@doctors.org.uk

Spine
|September 17, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Scoliosis is common in cystic fibrosis patients, affecting 15.6% of children and 9.8% of adults. These spinal curves are typically benign and thoracic, with specific characteristics in different age groups.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Research
  • Orthopedics
  • Pulmonology

Background:

  • Previous studies indicated a high prevalence of scoliosis in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients.
  • Two North American studies from 1978 and 1982 reported this association.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Determine scoliosis prevalence in CF patients.
  • Describe scoliosis characteristics and progression in CF.
  • Identify predictive factors for scoliosis in CF.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective study of 316 CF patients (1982-1997).
  • Radiographic analysis of spinal deformities using Oxford Cobbmeter.
  • Correlation analysis between Cobb angle and disease-specific scores (Chrispin-Norman, Shwachman).

Main Results:

  • Scoliosis prevalence was 15.6% in 4-16 year olds (20x general population).
  • Adult CF patients (≥17 years) had 9.8% prevalence.
  • Curves were predominantly single-thoracic, apical T6-T8, with some right-sided curves in adults and nonprogressive infantile curves.

Conclusions:

  • High prevalence of scoliosis observed in cystic fibrosis patients.
  • Scoliosis in CF typically presents as benign, short, midthoracic curves.
  • Curves are apical between T6-T8 with no side predilection.
Abstract

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